CHIEFS' POST MINI CAMP & OTA REVIEW
Kansas City head coach, Todd Haley, released his troops from the last two days of their off season practices. He said he was satisfied overall with his new team's effort. This was the last organized team practices until training camp opens July 31st. The player's conditioning was put to the test at the end of practice with what was described as a "harsh conditioning test" & Haley admitted several players couldn't pass the test. Every player will again be submitted to this conditioning test before they will be able to participate in training camp activities. He has made it quite clear he expects this team to be in much better shape before the season begins & this test may separate those 'on board' with his program & those who aren't.
First round pick, DE Tyson Jackson, has made a favorable impression with Coach Haley. "He's done everything we asked of him, he's done well picking up the playbook & until we get him in pads in training camp, we can't see really how much he's improved since he started the rookie mini camp."
Others on Haley's list of players who both bought into what he's preaching but excelled with their position coaches weren't very surprising to me with one exception. Matt Cassel, Brandon Albert, Zach Thomas & Mike Goff all got a gold star next to their names. Franky these are quality NFL talents that understand what it takes at this level. CB Maurice Leggett also pleased coach Haley. The undrafted free agent from last season got a lot of playing time as the nickel back last year & he could be in line for even more in '09.
Those not making a favorable first impression were Glenn Dorsey, who's mysterious injury sidelined him for many of the OTA's & when he was able to practice, he was way behind the curve. Dorsey is changing positions, which is no small task, but he needs to be on the field for every single practice. Dewayne Bowe's dropped passes have continued & tho he reduced his strutting & showboating, he still flashes his 'show' occasionally. Tamba Hali has thrown everything into learning the outside linebacker position, but he too, is behind the learning curve. Tony Gonzalez's heir apparent, Brad Cottam, hasn't shown much either. Last year's 3rd round pick just isn't running his patterns crisply enough. The remaining wide receivers haven't done much to impress the coaches either, which with Bowes' troubles & Cottam's route issues, could spell trouble for new QB Matt Cassel.
First round pick, DE Tyson Jackson, has made a favorable impression with Coach Haley. "He's done everything we asked of him, he's done well picking up the playbook & until we get him in pads in training camp, we can't see really how much he's improved since he started the rookie mini camp."
Others on Haley's list of players who both bought into what he's preaching but excelled with their position coaches weren't very surprising to me with one exception. Matt Cassel, Brandon Albert, Zach Thomas & Mike Goff all got a gold star next to their names. Franky these are quality NFL talents that understand what it takes at this level. CB Maurice Leggett also pleased coach Haley. The undrafted free agent from last season got a lot of playing time as the nickel back last year & he could be in line for even more in '09.
Those not making a favorable first impression were Glenn Dorsey, who's mysterious injury sidelined him for many of the OTA's & when he was able to practice, he was way behind the curve. Dorsey is changing positions, which is no small task, but he needs to be on the field for every single practice. Dewayne Bowe's dropped passes have continued & tho he reduced his strutting & showboating, he still flashes his 'show' occasionally. Tamba Hali has thrown everything into learning the outside linebacker position, but he too, is behind the learning curve. Tony Gonzalez's heir apparent, Brad Cottam, hasn't shown much either. Last year's 3rd round pick just isn't running his patterns crisply enough. The remaining wide receivers haven't done much to impress the coaches either, which with Bowes' troubles & Cottam's route issues, could spell trouble for new QB Matt Cassel.
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